Moderate
The Burren Way Walk
The Burren Way in County Clare is a National Park and a Special Area of Conservation, an amazing limestone escarpment, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, Aran Islands and Galway Bay. The Burren Way walk is a popular, short hiking route of 45km (26.5miles), which follows the Clare coastline, Cliffs of Moher and crosses the limestone plateau. Walking the Burren way in Spring abounds with wildflowers - Gentians, Bloody Cranesbill, Wild Orchids - and is truly a wondrous sight to behold. If you have an interest in a Burren Way holiday then we recommend you take a look below at our suggested Burren Way walking tour itinerary, as it details the highlights of the trail and what you can expect along the way...
The Burren Way Itinerary
The Burren Way walk starts at Liscannor and finishes in Ballyvaughan. Our route includes a loop walk around Black Head and village locations for each overnight stay. You will also have a chance to visit one of the Aran Islands on your free day in Doolin, which is the home of Irish traditional music. Walking the Burren Way allows you to follow old green roads and 60% of the hiking is on quiet country roads. On occasion it crosses the main tourist road. The trail is well signposted with wooden or stone yellow markers and road signs. With superb walking and scenery, a Burren Way holiday is also the least remote of our tours as you are never very far from settlements.
Day 1: Arrival in Shannon. Transfer to Liscannor via Ennis and Lahinch.
Day 2:14 kms/8.75 miles Walk Liscannor to Doolin via the Cliffs of Moher cliffpath. Overnight Doolin.
Day 3:10 kms/6.5 miles Optional visit Inis Oirr, smallest of the Aran Islands by boat (not included). Walk the Inis Oirr Way footpath to see traditional island life and limestone cliffs. Overnight Doolin.
Day 4:20 km/12.5 miles Walk Doolin to Fanore past Ballinalacken Castle and on the Burren Way green road. You are entering the "real limestone country" with rare wild flowers. Overnight Fanore.
Day 5:12 kms/7.5 miles Climb Black Head and Gleninagh mountain. Visit 1st century Celtic ringfort and descend via the Caher river, one of the few above ground water courses! Overnight Fanore.
Day 6:16 kms/10 miles Walk Fanore to Ballyvaughan up the Khyber Pass following the Caher River. Descend into Lismacteigue. Overnight Ballyvaghan.
Day 7: Depart Ballyvaghan by bus for Galway after breakfast.
Details
Price
£745 per person sharing
£295 single supplement
£205 Solo supplement
Included
6 nights Bed & Breakfast in guesthouse accommodation; luggage transfers each day; detailed route descriptions and 1:50000 maps covering the whole of the Burren Way walk.
Not Included
Transportation to/from home; other meals; transfers to Liscannor and from Ballyvaughan; entries or excursions.
SUGGESTED EXTRA OPTIONS: Overnight on the Aran Islands to fully explore this unique culture. Extra night in Ennis town, to see the abbey and pay a visit to Glor, Ireland's traditional theatre of arts
Group Size
This self-guided Burren way walking holiday can be operated for 2 or more people.
Additional Information
Accommodation
B+B accommodation in guesthouses usually in rooms with ensuite bathroom
Getting There
Shannon is the nearest airport for hiking the Burren way.
What To Take
Sturdy walking boots and walking socks (with a change of socks in rucksack), rucksack/day pack, 1 x water bottle with 1 litre capacity, insect repellent, sun glasses, sun hat, sun block/cream, compass, torch, first-aid kit are all essential items for hiking the Burren way.
When To Go
Mid-April to mid-September is the best time to walk the Burren Way. Accommodation will be difficult to obtain on UK national holidays unless booked well in advance (and may require an alteration to the programme).
Insurance
We recommend that you take out appropriate holiday insurance covering you against illness, injury, and loss or damage to luggage. This insurance should also cover the possibility of your having to cancel your holiday for whatever reason.